The Federal High Court in Abuja has warned that it may dismiss a lawsuit against Sen. Iyabo Obasanjo and others over a disputed Asokoro property, following the plaintiffs’ failure to appear in court.

Justice Inyang Ekwo issued the warning on Thursday after the plaintiffs, ABB Electrical Systems Limited and Amb. Yohana Margif, and their lawyer failed to appear for the hearing. The case involves a 1.67-hectare land at Plot 4254, Cadastral Zone A04, Asokoro, which the plaintiffs claim belongs to them by virtue of a statutory Right of Occupancy granted by the Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA, .

Other defendants in the suit include former FCT Senator Philip Aduda, Ismail Iron, John Mbata, Jamaila Sani Alhassan, Altine Jibrin, and unnamed individuals.

During the proceedings, Gerald Ogokeh, counsel to the 4th defendant, informed the court that he had not been served with any process related to the case but had only seen details online. Justice Ekwo, expressing dissatisfaction with the plaintiffs’ absence, granted them one final opportunity to pursue their claims.

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“If the plaintiffs do not show any seriousness on the next date, they will leave me with no other option than to strike out the matter,” the judge warned before adjourning the case to March 15.

The plaintiffs had initially sought an interim injunction to prevent the defendants from trespassing, altering, or taking possession of the property. However, Justice Ekwo declined the request, emphasizing the need to hear from all parties before making a ruling.

Margif, in an affidavit, claimed that ABB Electrical Systems Limited had peacefully possessed the land since its allocation and planned to commence development in line with FCDA regulations. He alleged that recent actions by the defendants, including Sen. Obasanjo, posed a threat to their ownership.

The plaintiffs insist that allowing the defendants to interfere with the property would result in irreparable damage and render any court judgment ineffective. The case will resume on March 15, where the plaintiffs must demonstrate their commitment to the legal proceedings or risk having their suit dismissed.

NAN